Canada hopeful on lankan success

Acknoweldgeing that Sri Lanka had gone through an extremely difficult period of grappling with terrorism for nearly three decades, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Canada Deepak Obhrai pledged to be partners in the country's post conflict development, when he met Foreign Affairs Minister Rohitha Bogollagama.

It was the incumbent Canadian Government that proscribed the LTTE and pointed out since stringent rules are in place in this regard which the diaspora has been sensitized to interface with this organization would result in punitive action Obhrai said.

He recalled the manner in which the Members of the Canadian Parliament refused to meet the demonstrators who blatantly exhibited insignia of the proscribed organization and such action demonstrated Canada's commitment to Sri Lanka's fight against terrorism, he said.

Focusing on bilateral issues, Foreign Minister Bogollagama acknowledged the strong partnership exists between Sri Lanka and Canada reaching back several decades, complemented through the engagement with the Commonwealth and the Colombo Plan.

He pointed out the need in bringing about a greater degree of cooperation between the two countries. The Minister also expressed appreciation for Canada's development aid to Sri Lanka.

Obhrai said following the visit to the IDP camps and the discussions held with Sri Lankan officials and other agencies he had been able to get a better understanding about the ground situation in Sri Lanka.

The IDP facilities are fulfilling the needs and the process of improving the conditions were ongoing.

The Foreign Minister explained the Sri Lankan Government is investing heavily in the north to rebuild infrastructure and carry out demining to enable the displaced to return to their original habitat.

He explained areas such as Jaffna had been untouched by the recent fighting with residents there leading normal lives, and the rest of that region also will experience extensive rebuilding and resettlement.

He mentioned the magnitude of the welfare being provided by the Government in terms of shelter, food and healthcare to the displaced, and underscored its adherence to the 180 day accelerated program of resettlement.

Foreign Minister Bogollagama outlined the ongoing political process and the need to engage all political parties in the reconciliation efforts in Sri Lanka.

The civilians in the north will be able to re-enter the democratic process that has been denied to them for a long time with their participation in the forthcoming local government polls.

Political empowerment is an important component of the reconciliation package. The displaced in the welfare villages will also be able to exercise their franchise, said the Minister.